Native Americans vs. Europeans Who Was Correct?

Title:
Native Americans in Michigan 3rd Grade Peterson
Subject:
Social Studies
Grade:
3
Time Frame:
12 Class Periods
Essential Question
Which Group had the correct beliefs about the environment?
How did American Indians and settlers in the early history of Michigan adapt to, use and modify their environment?
Summary:
Students will research and present the various Native Americans /Europeans and how they adapt to, use and ,modify their environment.


Objectives
  • What GLCE's, Common Core Standards, or other objectives does this activity/lesson project meet?
.
H3.0.5 Use informational text and visual data to compare how American Indians and settlers in the early history of Michigan adapted to, used, and modified their environment.
H3.0.6 Use a variety of sources to describe interactions that occurred between American Indians and the first European explorers and settlers in Michigan.


  • What 21st Century Skill Objectives does this activity/Lesson include?
    • communication
    • Student choice
    • collaboration
    • creativity & innovation
    • decision making
    • global awareness
    • critical thinking
Tasks:
  • Students will learn a general outline of Native Americans and Europeans
  • Student will use links to research the provided group (native Americans or Europeans) some students will research native Americans while others will research Europeans Students will then in groups of 3 or 4 decide on the native American Group or European group they will research (prior students will be provided several viable website links through our page)
  • Students will then narrow the information down from culture to only the use and modifying of the land in Michigan (may expand to the United States if need be)
  • Each group will have time to practice their presentation and information
  • Students may type, google doc (voice record) , make a PowerPoint or create a diorama of their group and the land use students can also create a rap, poem, or song about their group as time permits, (extended via homework as well) share their research with the class.
  • Students will participate in a Courtroom Drama that is video taped around the question Should the Europeans have used and modified the environment the way they did?
Personalization/Differentiation
How will you challenge strong students?Strong students will be the group leaders and harder readings/websites/books to use Have them take both sides and then choose which side to present.
How will you support struggling students? Struggling students will get articles read to them and information on their own reading level as dictated, videos with sound ,
How will you support ESL students? Students will receive information in there dominant language or have it read aloud and discussed, use videos with sound as well.
Real-World Connection
What is the real world application for this project/lesson? Students get to learn the power of persuasion and viewpoints(voice)
Who is the audience for this project/lesson? Parents, absent student sand the class as a whole
How will you connect adults from outside of school to the lesson/project? I would have native American colleagues come in and speak to students to expound on the research
How will the work be displayed publicly? on our WIki or school website share it with another 3 rd grade classroom.
Assessment:
How will you assess the students learning? There will be a rubric for research, participation and presentation
  1. Evaluate students based on participation and effort for the class debates or discussions.
  2. Students should be able to describe and explain the differences between the concepts regarding land held by Native Americans and Euro-Americans.
How do you know students can "transfer" the learning to new situations? Students will be able to research across the curriculum as well as complete presentations (public speaking). Students will also use collaboration from the practice with their group members in any situation.
Will there be an opportunity for constructive "peer" feedback? yes as a class we can view the video and write questions we have for the groups. Surveys for other third grade class to give feedback.
Resources:
  • What resources/technology/tools will be needed?
  • Internet
  • Articles for struggling students
  • training about website credibility
  • Classroom
  • Website Wiki
Examples:
http://2.americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/catlinclassroom/lessonplans/al-aplan.html
Reflection: